America's National Association has pinpointed London as the next outpost in its colonisation of the world. The NBA plans to open a London office to spearhead its marketing and merchandising drive in Western Europe, where they already sell more discount mlb jerseys than pounds 20m worth of products a year.

The decision had already been taken before this weekend's McDonald's Championships. But, had the NBA management cheap air max shoes needed an extra push, the sight of 10,708 mainly young supporters watching the Houston Rockets beat Buckler Bologna 126 112 in the final at the London Arena, would certainly have convinced them.

Ray Lalonde, NBA Europe's head of marketing, said: "It's the next natural step for us. You have the arenas now, the kids who nhl jerseys outlet want to play and, from this weekend, it's obvious they want to watch as well. England is an ideal market." Channel 4's coverage of NBA basketball which began with the McDonald's adds to this ideal mix.

The NBA is already considering alternative venues with larger ready made capacities for other events, such as Manchester's Nynex Arena, which could hold 16,500 for basketball. The home of the Budweiser ray ban sunglasses outlet League's Manchester Giants, was considered as a venue for the McDonald's.